Martensitic stainless steel

ABSTRACT

A martensitic stainless steel of this invention, aimed at achieving excellent corrosion resistance and cold workability and a desirable level of toughness, while keeping the hardness equivalent to that of conventional martensitic stainless steel, which consists essentially of, in % by mass, C: 0.15-0.50%, Si: 0.05% or more and less than 0.20%, Mn: 0.05-2.0%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.03% or less, Cu: 0.05-3.0%, Ni:0.05-3.0%, Cr: 13.0-20.0%, Mo: 0.2-4.0%, V: 0.01-1.0%, Al: 0.030% or less, Ti: less than 0.020%, O: 0.020% or less, N: 0.30-0.80%, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-167278 filed on Jun. 4, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a high-hardness martensitic stainless steel excellent in corrosion resistance.

2. Description of Related Art

Martensitic stainless steel such as SUS420J2 and SUS440C have generally been used in fields in need of certain levels of corrosion resistance, hardness and wear resistance, including cylinder liner, shaft, bearing, gear, pin, bolt, screw, roll, turbine blade, mold, die, valve, valve seat, cutting tool, nozzle, and so on.

However, the martensitic stainless steel, which contains a large amount of C in view of ensuring a necessary level of hardness, is inferior to austenitic stainless steel represented by SUS304 and SUS316 in corrosion resistance, and cannot be used under outdoor environments where water drops or aqueous solution may adhere. This is partially solved by providing surface treatment such as plating, but a problem arises in that any scratch or peeling-off of the plated film may allow corrosion to proceed.

Another problem is that the martensitic stainless steel is extremely low in the cold workability due to eutectic carbide produced therein. On the other hand, the austenitic stainless steel represented by SUS304 and SUS316 are excellent in the corrosion resistance but far inferior to the martensitic stainless steel in the hardness, showing only a hardness of as small as HRC40 or around after cold working.

The present applicant previously disclosed, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication “Tokkai” No. 2002-256397, a martensitic stainless steel which is equivalent to or superior to SUS42OJ2 in terms of cold workability and temper hardness, and which is equivalent to or superior to SUS316 in terms of corrosion resistance. Our previous martensitic stainless steel has, however, not paid a special consideration on the toughness which would be necessary for use as the mechanical components listed in the above.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a martensitic stainless steel which is equivalent to the conventional martensitic stainless steel in terms of hardness, excellent in corrosion resistance and cold workability, and also satisfactory in toughness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aiming at solving the aforementioned problems, a martensitic stainless steel of this invention consists essentially of, in % by mass, C: 0.15-0.50%, Si: 0.05% or more and less than 0.20%, Mn: 0.05-2.0%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.03% or less, Cu: 0.05-3.0%, Ni:0.05-3.0%, Cr: 13.0-20.0%, Mo: 0.2-4.0%, V: 0.01-1.0%, Al: 0.030% or less, Ti: less than 0.020%, O: 0.020% or less, N: 0.30-0.80%, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities.

This invention makes it possible for a martensitic stainless steel to ensure a necessary level of temper hardness, to improve corrosion resistance and cold workability, and to ensure a necessary level of toughness, by further reducing the Si, Al and Ti contents, and by adding V. The following paragraphs will describe reasons for the compositional limitations.

C (Carbon): 0.15-0.50%

C is an interstitial element, and contributes to improvement in the strength, and improvement in the temper hardness through bonding with Cr, Mo, W, V, Nb and Ta, described later. Addition in an amount of 0.15% or more is necessary in view of obtaining these effects. An amount of addition of 0.20% or more is more preferable. On the other hand, any excessive addition lowers amount of solubility of N, and lowers amount of solubility of Cr in the matrix due to formation of Cr carbide, and results in lowering in the oxidation resistance. Formation of coarse primary carbide not only degrades the cold workability and toughness after solution treatment, but also increases amount of residual austenite to thereby degrade the temper hardness. The amount of addition is therefore limited to 0.50% or less, and more preferably 0.45% or less.

Si (Silicon): 0.05% or More and Less than 0.20%

Si is a deoxidizer element, and is effective for suppressing Al possibly produces AlN which is causative of an extreme lowering in the toughness and ductility. Addition in an amount of 0.05% or more is necessary in view of obtaining these effects, and more preferably 0.08% or more. Whereas, any excessive addition not only adversely affects the forging but also extremely lowers the toughness and ductility, so that the amount of addition is therefore limited to less than 0.20%, and more preferably 0.18% or less.

Mn (Manganese): 0.05-2.0%

Mn is an element effective for increasing amount of solubility of N, and is also effective as a deoxidizing and desulfurizing element. Addition in an amount of 0.05% or more, and more preferably 0.08% or more, is necessary in view of obtaining these effects. Whereas, any excessive addition not only increases amount of residual austenite to thereby degrade the temper hardness but also degrades corrosion resistance. The amount of addition is therefore limited to 2.0% or less, and more preferably 1.0% or less.

P (Phosphorus): 0.03% or Less

P is an element lowers the hot workability, grain boundary strength, toughness and ductility, and is preferably suppressed to a lower level. The amount of addition is limited to 0.03% or less, and more preferably 0.025% or less. It is to be, however, noted that any effort of excessively lowering the content will raise the cost.

S (Sulfur): 0.03% or less

S is an element degrades the corrosion resistance, toughness and ductility during cold working, and also degrades the hot workability, and is preferably suppressed to a lower level. The amount of addition of S is set to 0.03% or less, and preferably 0.025% or less. It is to be, however, noted that any effort of excessively lowering the content will raise the cost.

Cu (Copper): 0.05-3.0%

Cu is an element capable of improving not only the toughness during cold working, but also the corrosion resistance. The addition in an amount of 0.05% or more, and more preferably 0.08% or more, is necessary in view of obtaining these effects. Whereas, any excessive addition increases amount of residual austenite, and this not only results in lowered temper hardness but also in degraded hot workability. The amount of addition is therefore limited to less than 3.0% or less, and more preferably 1.0% or less.

Ni (Nickel): 0.05-3.0%

Ni is a potent austenite stabilizing element, and is therefore effective for suppressing nitrogen blow. It also contributes to improvements in the corrosion resistance and toughness. Addition in an amount of 0.05% or more, and more preferably 0.08% or more, is necessary in view of obtaining these effects. Whereas, any excessive addition increases the hardness after annealing, to thereby results in degraded cold workability. It extremely lowers not only the corrosion resistance, toughness and ductility due to increase in the insolubilized Cr nitride during hardening, but also lowers the temper hardness due to increase in amount of residual austenite. The amount of addition is therefore limited to 3.0% or less, and more preferably 1.0% or less.

Cr (Chromium): 13.0%-20.0%

Cr is an element capable of increasing amount of solubility of N, and can therefore contribute to increase not only in the strength, but also in the oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance. It also contributes to increase in the hardness through bonding with C and N during tempering. Addition in an amount of 13.0% or more is necessary in view of obtaining these effects. The content is more preferably 13.5% or more, and still more preferably 14.0% or more. Whereas, any excessive addition increases amount of residual austenite and thereby lowers the temper hardness. The amount of addition is therefore limited to 20.0% or less, and more preferably 18.0% or less.

Mo (Molybdenum): 0.2-0.4%

Mo increases amount of solubility of N to thereby improve the corrosion resistance, and improves the hardness as a solid solution hardening element. It also contributes to improvement in the hardness through bonding with C and N during tempering. Addition in an amount of 0.2% or more, and more preferably 0.4% or more, is necessary in view of obtaining these effects. Whereas, any excessive addition will make it difficult to ensure an austenitic phase effective for suppressing nitrogen blow, and will also result in degradation of the toughness and ductility due to increase in insolubilized Cr nitride during hardening. The amount of addition is therefore limited to 4.0% or less, and more preferably 3.5% or less.

V (Vanadium): 0.01-1.0%

V contributes to refinement of the grains through bonding with C and N, and contributes also to improvement in the toughness as a solute element. Addition in an amount of 0.01% or more, and more preferably 0.02% or more, is necessary in view of obtaining these effects. Whereas, any excessive addition allows large amounts of oxide and nitride to remain in the steel, to thereby degrade the toughness. The amount of addition is therefore limited to 1.0% or less, and more preferably 0.8% or less.

Al (Aluminum): 0.030% or Less

Al is an element effective as a deoxidizing element, similarly to Si and Mn. Addition in an amount of 0.001% or more is preferable in view of obtaining the effect. This invention is, however, aimed at increasing amount of solubility of N, and any excessive addition of Al is undesirable because it will extremely degrade the toughness and ductility due to formation of AlN. The amount of addition is therefore necessarily limited to 0.030% or less, and more preferably 0.025% or less in view of securing a desirable level of toughness.

Ti (Titanium): Less than 0.020%

Ti allows large amounts of oxide and nitride to remain in the steel, to thereby extremely degrade the corrosion resistance and toughness. Addition in an amount of less than 0.020%, and more preferably 0.018% or less, is necessary in view of ensuring a desirable level of toughness.

O (Oxygen): 0.020% or Less

O is preferably suppressed to a lower level because it allows a large amount of oxide to remain in the steel, to thereby extremely degrade the corrosion resistance and toughness. The amount of addition is therefore limited to 0.020% or less, and more preferably 0.015% or less.

N (Nitrogen): 0.30-0.80%

N is an interstitial element, and one of most important elements in this invention because it can extremely improve the hardness and corrosion resistance of the martensitic stainless steel, and can further improve the hardness through formation of fine Cr nitride during tempering. Addition in an amount of 0.30% or more, and preferably 0.32% or more, is necessary in view of obtaining these effects. Whereas, any excessive addition induces generation of nitrogen blow, and allows insolubilized Cr nitride to remain during hardening, to thereby extremely degrade the corrosion resistance, toughness and ductility. The amount of addition is therefore limited to 0.80% or less, and more preferably 0.70% or less.

Next, the martensitic stainless steel of this invention can further contain any one or more of steel components which consist of Co: 0.05-4.0%, W: 0.020-0.20%, Ta: 0.020-0.20%, and Nb: 0.010-0.20%. The following paragraphs will describe reasons for the compositional limitations.

Co (Cobalt): 0.05-4.0%

Co is a potent austenite stabilizing element, and is therefore effective for suppressing nitrogen blow. It also contributes to improvement in the corrosion resistance. It is also effective for ensuring a desirable level of hardness after hardening, because it can raise the Ms point to thereby reduce amount of residual austenite. Addition in an amount of 0.05% or more is preferable, and 0.07% or more is more preferable in view of obtaining these effects. Whereas, any excessive addition not only results in increase in the cost, but also in degradation in the corrosion resistance, toughness and ductility, due to increase in the insolubilized Cr nitride during hardening. It is therefore preferable to limit the amount of addition to 4.0% or less, and more preferably 2.0% or less.

W (Tungsten): 0.020-0.20%

W contributes to improvement in the hardness as a solid solution hardening element, or through bonding with C and N during tempering. Addition in an amount of 0.020% or more, and more preferably 0.040% or more, is preferable in view of obtaining the effect. Whereas, any excessive addition may degrade the toughness and ductility. It is therefore preferable to limit the amount of addition to 0.20% or less, and more preferably 0.15% or less.

Ta (Tantalum): 0.020-0.20%

Ta contributes to refinement of the grain through bonding with C and N. Addition in an amount of 0.020% or more, and more preferably 0.040% or more, is preferable in view of obtaining this effect. Whereas, any excessive addition may allow large amounts of oxide and nitride to remain in the steel, similarly to Ti, to thereby degrade the toughness. It is therefore preferable to limit the amount of addition to 0.20% or less, and more preferably 0.15% or less.

Nb (Niobium): 0.010-0.20%

Nb contributes to refinement of the grain through bonding with C and N. Addition in an amount of 0.010% or more, and more preferably 0.020% or more, is preferable in view of obtaining this effect. Whereas, any excessive addition may allow large amounts of oxide and nitride to remain in the steel, similarly to Ti, to thereby degrade the toughness. It is therefore preferable to limit the amount of addition to 0.20% or less, and more preferably 0.15% or less.

Next, the martensitic stainless steel of this invention can further contain any one or more of steel components which consist of B: 0.001-0.01%, Mg: 0.001-0.01%, Ca: 0.001-0.01%, and Zr: 0.020-0.20%. The following paragraphs will describe reasons for the compositional limitations.

B (Boron): 0.001-0.01%

B contributes to improvement in the toughness, and is also effective for improving the hot workability. Addition in an amount of 0.001% or more is preferable in view of obtaining this effect. Whereas, any excessive addition may adversely affect the hot workability. It is therefore preferable to limit the amount of addition to 0.01% or less, and more preferably 0.008% or less.

Mg (Magnesium): 0.001-0.01%

Mg is effective for improving the hot workability. Addition in an amount of 0.001% or more is preferable in view of obtaining this effect. Whereas, any excessive addition may adversely affect the hot workability. The amount of addition is preferably limited to 0.01% or less, and more preferably 0.008% or less.

Ca (Calcium): 0.001-0.01%

Ca is effective for improving the hot workability, and also for improving the machinability. Addition in an amount of 0.001% or more is preferable in view of obtaining these effects. Whereas, any excessive addition may adversely affect the hot workability. It is therefore preferable to limit the amount of addition to 0.01% or less, and more preferably 0.008% or less.

Zr (Zirconium): 0.020-0.20%

Zr contributes to improvement in the toughness. Addition in an amount of 0.020% or more, and more preferably 0.030% or more, is preferable in view of obtaining the effect. Whereas, any excessive addition may adversely affect the toughness and ductility. It is therefore preferable to limit the amount of addition to 0.20% or less, and more preferably 0.15% or less.

Next, the martensitic stainless steel of this invention can further contain either of, or both of steel components which consist of Te: 0.005-0.10% and Se: 0.02-0.40%. The following paragraphs will describe reasons for the compositional limitations.

Te (Tellurium): 0.005-0.10%

Te contributes to improvement in the machinability. Addition in an amount of 0.005% or more, and more preferably 0.01% or more, is preferable in view of obtaining the effect. Whereas, any excessive addition may adversely affect the toughness and hot workability. It is therefore preferable to limit the amount of addition to 0.10% or less, and more preferably 0.05% or less.

Se (Selenium): 0.02-0.40%

Se contributes to improvement in the machinability. Addition in an amount of 0.02% or more, and more preferably 0.05% or more, is preferable in view of obtaining the effect. Whereas, any excessive addition may adversely affect the toughness. It is therefore preferable to limit the amount of addition to 0.40% or less, and more preferably 0.20% or less.

Next, the martensitic stainless steel of this invention preferably has a mean grain size of the prior austenitic grain in the tempered martensitic structure of 50 μm or less, and more preferably 40 μm or less. The size of the prior austenitic grain affects the toughness. A mean grain size exceeding 50 μm may result in a degraded toughness.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The experiments below were conducted in order to confirm the effects of the this invention.

Alloys having chemical compositions listed in Table 1 were melted in a pressurizable high-frequency induction furnace, homogenized under heating, and hot-forged to thereby produce 24-mm diameter round rods. The rods were annealed by heating at a temperature of Ac3+50° C. for 4 hours, cooled at a cooling rate of 15° C./h down to 650° C., and then allowed to cool in the air.

Test samples were collected after these processes, and subjected to measurements of anneal hardness, and limit compressibility for crack generation by compression test.

1. Measurement of Anneal Hardness

Hardness of the samples after annealing was measured as Rockwell B-scale hardness using a Rockwell hardness test specified by JIS-Z2245.

2. Measurement of Limit Compressibility for Crack Generation

Limit compressibility for crack generation was measured by a compression test. Compression test pieces were columns of 15 mm in diameter and 22.5 mm in height, and were compressed using a 600-t hydraulic press machine. Ten each test pieces were measured under the individual reduction ratios, and a reduction ratio allowing the number of test pieces causing crack generation to decrease to as small as 5 or less (50% or less) was defined as limit compressibility for crack generation.

Next, the test pieces were hardened by oil quenching after being kept at 1000 to 1100° C. for one hour, subjected to sub-zero treatment in liquid nitrogen, and tempered by being kept at 450° C. for one hour and then allowed to cool in the air.

Test samples were collected after these processes, and subjected to measurement of hardening-and-temper hardness, salt spray test, measurement of pitting corrosion potential, and Charpy impact test. Mean grain size of the prior austenitic grain was also measured.

3. Measurement of Hardening-and-Temper Hardness

Hardness of the samples after hardening and tempering was measured as Rockwell C-scale hardness using a Rockwell hardness test specified by JIS-Z2245.

4. Salt Spray Test

The test was conducted conforming to a method specified by JIS-Z2371. After the test, the test pieces were evaluated by a four-level rating based on ratios of corroded area, where A: not corroded, B: corroded only in 5% area or less, C: 5-20%, both ends inclusive, and D: over 20%.

5. Measurement of Pitting Corrosion Potential

Pitting corrosion potential (mV) was measured conforming to a method specified by JIS-G0577.

6. Charpy Impact Test

Charpy impact test was conducted using 10R notch test pieces (depth of notch=2 mm, R diameter=10 mm) cut out from the product, conforming to a method specified by JIS-Z2242, so as to obtain Charpy impact values.

7. Measurement of Mean Grain Size of Prior Austenitic Grain

Ten fields of view of 0.1 mm² were randomly observed under an optical microscope (ca. 400× magnification), so as to measure grain sizes of the prior austenitic grain in the tempered martensite structure, and thereby a mean value was determined.

Similar test was conducted as Comparative Example 1, using SUS440C, a representative of currently-available material. The SUS440C (Comparative Example 1) was melted in a high-frequency induction furnace, homogenized under heating, and hot-forged to thereby produce a 24-mm diameter round rod. The rods were annealed by being heated at 850° C. for 4 hours, cooled at a cooling rate of 15° C./h down to 650° C., and then allowed to cool in the air. The rods were then hardened by oil quenching after being kept at 1050° C. for one hour, subjected to sub-zero treatment in liquid nitrogen, and tempered by being kept at 200° C. for one hour and then allowed to cool in the air.

Similar test was also conducted as Comparative Example 13, using SUS316. The SUS316 (Comparative Example 13) was melted in a high-frequency induction furnace, homogenized under heating, and hot-forged to thereby produce a 24-mm diameter round rod. The rod was then solution-treated by keeping it at 1050° C. for one hour and by water quenching. Test samples were collected after these processes, and subjected to the above-described salt spray test and measurement of pitting potential. TABLE 1 C Si Mn P S Cu Ni Cr Mo Co W V Example 1 0.20 0.10 0.09 0.020 0.003 0.12 0.16 14.0 0.99 0.15 Example 2 0.25 0.13 0.14 0.018 0.002 0.14 0.21 14.2 3.04 1.50 0.48 Example 3 0.31 0.15 0.14 0.019 0.004 0.16 0.15 15.1 1.01 0.21 Example 4 0.42 0.13 0.12 0.021 0.006 0.08 0.14 13.5 2.51 0.09 0.20 Example 5 0.21 0.18 0.31 0.018 0.005 0.10 0.14 15.5 1.51 1.01 0.51 Example 6 0.34 0.12 0.15 0.021 0.004 0.19 0.16 13.4 1.98 0.22 Example 7 0.17 0.11 1.02 0.022 0.007 0.18 0.21 17.9 0.99 0.16 0.10 0.31 Example 8 0.21 0.16 1.52 0.019 0.003 0.12 0.18 15.2 1.98 0.15 Example 9 0.33 0.11 0.50 0.020 0.004 0.11 0.19 16.1 1.49 0.13 0.19 Example 10 0.32 0.14 0.14 0.023 0.005 2.51 0.08 14.0 2.01 0.06 0.05 Example 11 0.39 0.15 0.15 0.020 0.003 0.13 2.38 14.9 0.49 0.05 0.30 Example 12 0.35 0.15 0.13 0.021 0.001 0.12 0.15 15.0 1.00 0.11 Example 13 0.31 0.13 0.12 0.021 0.006 0.16 0.14 16.1 0.50 0.75 Comparative 1.08 0.25 0.33 0.022 0.008 0.13 0.14 16.3 0.02 Example 1 Comparative 0.62 0.14 0.30 0.020 0.003 0.20 0.19 14.9 1.01 0.58 0.03 Example 2 Comparative 0.09 0.24 0.31 0.019 0.015 0.15 0.21 14.8 0.51 0.05 Example 3 Comparative 0.35 0.16 2.51 0.017 0.011 0.14 0.16 11.0 1.02 0.47 Example 4 Comparative 0.32 0.15 0.31 0.027 0.008 0.16 0.16 15.9 5.30 Example 5 Comparative 0.16 0.14 0.32 0.018 0.004 0.14 0.17 16.0 0.49 0.52 0.04 Example 6 Comparative 0.24 0.13 0.13 0.021 0.009 0.16 0.11 18.0 0.50 0.05 Example 7 Comparative 0.41 0.15 0.26 0.023 0.012 0.19 0.21 22.5 0.51 0.05 Example 8 Comparative 0.30 0.14 0.12 0.021 0.009 0.16 0.16 15.2 1.02 0.14 0.04 0.03 Example 9 Comparative 0.34 0.11 0.30 0.019 0.012 4.04 0.13 14.1 0.48 0.04 Example 10 Comparative 0.20 0.12 0.11 0.021 0.010 0.20 4.01 16.1 0.53 0.05 0.05 0.05 Example 11 Comparative 0.24 0.14 0.35 0.020 0.016 0.15 0.16 14.9 0.05 1.52 Example 12 Comparative 0.06 0.51 1.21 0.020 0.012 0.13 7.70 18.1 0.03 Example 13 Al Ti Nb O N B Mg Ca Ta Zr Te Se Example 1 0.021 0.011 0.004 0.65 Example 2 0.018 0.052 0.002 0.58 0.10 Example 3 0.008 0.049 0.002 0.40 Example 4 0.010 0.050 0.002 0.37 0.003 Example 5 0.090 0.003 0.52 0.003 Example 6 0.026 0.051 0.004 0.41 0.003 0.002 Example 7 0.020 0.016 0.003 0.60 0.003 Example 8 0.015 0.002 0.58 0.02 0.09 Example 9 0.019 0.082 0.003 0.48 0.003 0.002 Example 10 0.008 0.003 0.45 0.10 Example 11 0.019 0.067 0.004 0.33 0.002 0.003 0.003 0.10 0.11 0.03 Example 12 0.010 0.048 0.002 0.41 0.002 0.002 0.09 Example 13 0.012 0.004 0.35 Comparative 0.02 Example 1 Comparative 0.010 0.003 0.41 0.003 0.003 Example 2 Comparative 0.010 0.003 0.60 0.002 Example 3 Comparative 0.009 0.004 0.40 0.09 Example 4 Comparative 0.011 0.005 0.42 0.002 0.003 0.10 Example 5 Comparative 0.059 0.002 0.39 0.11 0.09 Example 6 Comparative 0.014 0.048 0.002 0.52 0.04 0.10 Example 7 Comparative 0.012 0.004 0.34 0.003 0.11 Example 8 Comparative 0.010 0.031 0.43 0.003 0.11 Example 9 Comparative 0.009 0.004 0.52 0.003 Example 10 Comparative 0.013 0.003 0.49 0.11 0.03 0.10 Example 11 Comparative 0.012 0.002 0.40 0.09 0.10 Example 12 Comparative 0.02 Example 13

Results of the measurements are shown in Table 2. TABLE 2 Limit Anneal compressibility Hardening-and- Pitting Impact Mean hardness for crack temper hardness Salt spray potential value grain size (HRB) generation (HRC) test (mV) (J/cm2) (μm) Inventive Example 1 92 >80 62 A 0.52 15 31 Inventive Example 2 91 >80 60 A 0.65 15 24 Inventive Example 3 90 >80 60 A 0.35 20 28 Inventive Example 4 89 >80 59 A 0.43 18 25 Inventive Example 5 92 >80 58 A 0.49 15 25 Inventive Example 6 91 >80 62 A 0.43 15 26 Inventive Example 7 88 >80 59 A 0.52 16 35 Inventive Example 8 86 >80 58 A 0.56 19 37 Inventive Example 9 86 >80 60 A 0.49 17 26 Inventive Example 10 92 >80 58 A 0.52 18 45 Inventive Example 11 91 >80 58 A 0.34 19 25 Inventive Example 12 90 >80 60 A 0.36 16 25 Inventive Example 13 92 >80 60 A 0.34 18 24 Comparative Example 1 95 45 60 D −0.11 20 28 Comparative Example 2 96 60 59 D −0.10 4 36 Comparative Example 3 91 65 60 C 0.26 2 33 Comparative Example 4 86 >80 53 D 0.02 15 29 Comparative Example 5 92 65 49 A 0.43 3 97 Comparative Example 6 92 65 55 C 0.10 3 34 Comparative Example 7 93 65 56 C 0.12 2 27 Comparative Example 8 89 70 50 A 0.33 9 35 Comparative Example 9 88 60 58 D −0.09 3 34 Comparative Example 10 85 >80 54 A 0.31 16 32 Comparative Example 11 118  >80 49 A 0.28 18 31 Comparative Example 12 91 65 58 C 0.12 3 27 Comparative Example 13 — — — A 0.26 — —

It is found from Table 2 that all of the steels of Inventive Examples are excellent in the corrosion resistance and cold workability, and are satisfactory in the toughness, while keeping the hardness equivalent to that of the conventional martensitic stainless steel. In other words, the steels of Inventive Examples are far superior to SUS440C (Comparative Example 1) in the cold workability, equivalent or superior to SUS316 (Comparative Example 13), an austenitic stainless steel, in the corrosion resistance, and equivalent to SUS440C (Comparative Example 1) in the impact value, while keeping the temper hardness of HRC58 or above.

Next, the hardening conditions in Inventive Example 3 and Inventive Example 6 were altered in three ways. The mean grain sizes and impact values of the individual samples were measured. Results are shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Mean grain size Impact value (μm) (J/cm²) Inventive Example 3(a) 24 21 Inventive Example 3(b) 28 20 Inventive Example 3(c) 98 11 Inventive Example 6(a) 22 17 Inventive Example 6(b) 26 15 Inventive Example 6(c) 92 11

It is known from Table 3 that, as compared with examples (c) having relatively large mean grain sizes of prior austenitic grain, examples (a) and (b), having relatively small mean grain sizes were found to have larger impact values and therefore have more excellent toughness.

It is to be understood that the embodiments described in the foregoing paragraphs are merely for explanatory purposes, and that this invention can, of course, be embodied in any types of improvements and modifications based on knowledge of those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The martensitic stainless steel of this invention is suitable for use as components in need of certain levels of hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, cold workability and toughness, including cylinder liner, shaft, bearing, gear, pin, bolt, screw, roll, turbine blade, mold, die, valve, valve seat, cutting tool and nozzle. 

1. A martensitic stainless steel consisting essentially of, in % by mass, C: 0.15-0.50%, Si: 0.05% or more and less than 0.20%, Mn: 0.05-2.0%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.03% or less, Cu: 0.05-3.0%, Ni:0.05-3.0%, Cr: 13.0-20.0%, Mo: 0.2-4.0%, V: 0.01-1.0%, Al: 0.030% or less, Ti: less than 0.020%, O: 0.020% or less, N: 0.30-0.80%, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities.
 2. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 1, further containing any one or more of steel components which consist of Co: 0.05-4.0%, W: 0.020-0.20%, Ta: 0.020-0.20%, and Nb: 0.010-0.20%.
 3. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 1, further containing any one or more of steel components which consist of B: 0.001-0.01%, Mg: 0.001-0.01%, Ca: 0.001-0.01%, and Zr: 0.020-0.20%.
 4. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 2, further containing any one or more of steel components which consist of B: 0.001-0.01%, Mg: 0.001-0.01%, Ca: 0.001-0.01%, and Zr: 0.020-0.20%.
 5. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 1, further containing any one of or both of steel components which consist of Te: 0.005-0.10% and Se: 0.02-0.40%.
 6. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 2, further containing any one of or both of steel components which consist of Te: 0.005-0.10% and Se: 0.02-0.40%.
 7. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 3, further containing any one of or both of steel components which consist of Te: 0.005-0.10% and Se: 0.02-0.40%.
 8. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 4, further containing any one of or both of steel components which consist of Te: 0.005-0.10% and Se: 0.02-0.40%.
 9. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 1, having a mean grain size of the prior austenitic grain in the tempered martensitic structure of 50 μm or less.
 10. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 2, having a mean grain size of the prior austenitic grain in the tempered martensitic structure of 50 μm or less:
 11. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 3, having a mean grain size of the prior austenitic grain in the tempered martensitic structure of 50 μm or less.
 12. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 4, having a mean grain size of the prior austenitic grain in the tempered martensitic structure of 50 μm or less.
 13. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 5, having a mean grain size of the prior austenitic grain in the tempered martensitic structure of 50 μm or less.
 14. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 6, having a mean grain size of the prior austenitic grain in the tempered martensitic structure of 50 μm or less.
 15. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 7, having a mean grain size of the prior austenitic grain in the tempered martensitic structure of 50 μm or less.
 16. The martensitic stainless steel as claimed in claim 8, having a mean grain size of the prior austenitic grain in the tempered martensitic structure of 50 μm or less. 